Cleaning Your Home Naturally & Waste Free
Cleaning your home naturally, toxic free and without any waste at all is totally possible. In facts it's easy, better for you and far far better for the environment.
Most standard cleaning products contain harmful toxins and when used they are absorbed into our system studies have shown that they have various negative effects. Many strong chemicals used in cleaning products today were put there for there for their antimicrobial properties but the trouble with this is that along with the bacteria we don't want around, they also kill off probiotics which upsets our microbial balance. You may have also heard of endocrine disrupting chemicals - these are chemicals that disrupt our regular endocrine systems (or hormones) and can have huge varying negative effects.
As well as what these chemicals do to our own bodies and the bodies of our children they can also have a huge impact on our environment. These toxins and harmful chemicals once in our environment easily end up in our soil and our waterways effecting wildlife and plants.
I am going to share with you 6 super easy, natural, DIY cleaning recipes that you can use around your home so you have no excuse to continue buying the plastic coated, chemical versions. These recipes are created from only 5 ingredients and you can access all of these ingredients all waste free and affordably through our online store. You will not only save money by making these products but they are so much better for your health and the environment.
Natural Ingredients You Will Need
Vinegar
Washing Soda
Baking Soda
Dishwashing Liquid
Essential Oils
Multi-Purpose Cleaning Spray
This is the perfect multi-purpose spray to use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. With the addition of the essential oils it smells absolutely amazing and the vinegar provides the anti-bacterial properties which are needed.
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
10 drops lemon or orange essential oil or squeeze of lemon
Window Cleaner
1 cup water
1 cup vinegar
Mix together into a spray bottle. Spray onto window and wipe with a damp cloth to get rid of any marks. Next dry off with a drying cloth until completely dry and streak free.
Pot and Metal Paste
I always have a jar on this on hand under my kitchen bench. I use it as a shiner on my sink as well as cleaning and shining pots.
2 Tbsps vinegar
1/2 cup baking soda
1 Tbsp Natural Dishwashing Liquid
Mix all ingredients into a paste - if it isn't quite thick enough add a little more baking soda and if you need a little more liquid just add a little more vinegar. This mix will bubble when you apply and scrub with it, just rinse with water.
Dishwashing Powder
2 cups of blended washing soda crystals
10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil
Blend your washing soda crystals in your blender and pop into the big jar or container you are going to use. Add the essentials oils, pop on the lid and shake until thoroughly mixed. Use as you would a regular dishwashing powder and to each wash add vinegar as a rinse aid.
Note: I definitely find using the vinegar mix in addition to this recipe in your dish washer 100% makes a difference and helps to clean and dry dishes better. You can simply add vinegar as your rinse aid or if you have made our Zero Waste Lemon and Vinegar mix then use this. We also have the Littlefoot all natural Rinse Aid which we find really effective.
Toilet Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 - 1 cup water depending on the size of the container you use
10 drops Peppermint (or any other flavour) pure essential oil
Blend your washing soda crystals then in a bowl or big container mix all of your other ingredients in. You want a semi thick liquid so don't add to much water to the mix. Once mixed just pop into your old toilet cleaner container with the under the bowl nib or into a jar and scoop out a little to use for each clean.
Floor Cleaner
1 cup vinegar
2 cups hot water
1 squirt of natural dish washing liquid
10 drops of essential oil of choice
Mix all ingredient in your bucket and use on your floor any other cleaner. You can switch up your essential oils that you use to add a different scent each time you use this mix. Some of my faves are peppermint (especially if its early in the morning), lavender, orange or lemon.
You can shop all of these products on the below links.